alonzo Mourning chari- ties (aM charities) is a not- for-profit 501(c)(3) public fundraising foundation. Our vision is to inspire through advocacy, education and enrichment services. Since 1997, we have raised more than $7 million for various programs that aid in the de- velopment of children and their families. in addition to supporting numerous edu- cational initiatives, our pri- mary programs of focus are the honey Shine Mentoring Program for girls, founded by my wife, Tracy Wilson Mourning, the Overtown

Alonzo Mourning inspires youth and gives a lesson on tying a necktie

of alonzo Mourning chari- ties. These kids may never get the opportunity to follow their dreams or finish school without our help and guid- ance, and that’s what we’re here to provide. Seeing them succeed in life means we had a positive impact.

IL: The Overtown Youth Center (OYC) was opened in 2003 in Miami, FL. Tell us about the work of the OYC.

AM: in 2003, i teamed up with donors to build the OYc, a state-of-the-art fa- cility in Miami’s inner city of Overtown. OYc pro- grams are designed to en- gage children in education- al and recreational activities that promote their physical, cognitive, motor, social, and emotional development. OYc’s mission is to inspire and empower youth and families by fostering hope

Youth center, and Zo’s Fund for life.

IL: Your charitable work focuses on giving young people residing in low so- cioeconomic communities support to make the right decisions and fulfill their potential. You have worked hard to influence their fu- ture. How do you see these kids turning out? What are the long-term changes that you would like to see in the communities you work in?

AM: Seeing these kids fin- ish school, go to college, suc- cessfully reach their career goals and become productive citizens is the ultimate goal